DEAR SEATTLE | DEAR SEATTLE (EP)

With Afterthought and The Meadows Sydney boys Dear Seattle have won their way into the minds of fans, and their words into the ears of many. Now, with a self titled EP to play with, they can bloom into the behemoth they deserve to be.

Six songs, of grungy, guitar filled energy is what the EP offers. Little more, little less. But it’s a case of what’s being done with those guitars and frontman Brae Fisher’s lyrics that makes Dear Seattle so special. It’s clear to see why they have burst into popularity with opener The Things You Do teasing both the softer side of the band, and the powerful guitars that we fell in love with so quickly. The lyrics here are full of angst and doubt. Avoiding blame, Fisher sings “it isn’t me or you” a recognition of the collapse of a partnership that was bound to happen one way or another, an occurrence that happens to all of us. And that’s what makes this EP so great. It is quite simply relatable. It is very defined by the sound of the bands that so many of us have downed a few too many beers to and gotten messy at the pub, but there is a lyrical sensibility that makes Dear Seattle stand out that bit more. The first response, and the way that Dear Seattle are so often described, is as the new Violent Soho. A reasonable statement to make? For sure, but what it lacks to consider how well written this EP is. Even down to the structuring of verses and vocal layering.

The chanting of “la la la da” in the latter half of Cut You Deep oozes pop sensibilities. A weird idea to put to music that could be deemed heavy enough to put off a number of casual listeners, but it works really well. It breaks down barriers and encourages not only those familiar with the genre to get involved, but those who may be that little more hesitant. We saw hints of this on the earlier singles, with Afterthought and The Meadows’ more mellow introduction easing listeners into the fray. There is an intelligent design behind the tracks on the release that mean that not only are they a lot of fun to experience live, as a bulk of their reputation derives from, but they are still fun to listen to home alone or at a party.

Concrete is the highlight of the release, with an almost danceable rhythm, it’s a fun one to listen to. Halfway into the release it’s a reminder of the fact that Dear Seattle are a band that are a bit of fun, despite the heavier tones suggested through the release. There is an interesting movement through the EP as Fisher and his vocals move towards a moment of self confidence and a determination to move forward. The EP feels largely a celebration of overcoming those terrible times that we have to deal with, and becoming a “free” individual. Between a cycle of repetitive riffs in Quiet Fisher states “I said it once and I’ll say it again” before belting out “fuck it I’m leaving”. It’s a moment of strength that the whole release feels to be building towards. The EP is a snapshot of the band, with every moment leading into the next. Afterthought’s celebratory closure to the release is the perfect follow on from the self recognition found in Quiet and it’s this planning and formatting that enables Dear Seattle to be more than just a band that whips out great singles and a killer live show. It enables them to step up and become a band who we are ready to champion, we are ready to spend too many nights listening to. It’s a first step for Dear Seattle, but without a doubt only the bottom rung of a ladder that could get pretty dang tall.

You can catch Dear Seattle on the road for their first headline tour over the following dates:

Friday, August 4th | Brighton Up Bar, Sydney

Saturday, August 5th | Yah Yah’s, Melbourne

Thursday, August 17th | Moonshine Bar, Manly

Friday, August 18th | Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane

Sunday, August 20th | Rad Bar, Wollongong (All Ages)

Ayden Measham-Pywell

Tallest kid at every gig // Questionable dancer at best // twitter/instagram: ayds_on_toast